Locking device



R. RIVAS LOCKING DEVICE Nov. 2, 1937.v

Filed oct. so, 19:56

Patented Nov. 2, 1937 UNITED STATES LOCKING DEVICE Rafael Rivas, New York, N. Y., assignor of onethird to Sidney Weinryb and one-third to Samuel Bluestein,v both of New York, N. Y.

Application October 30, 1936, Serial No. 108,340

9 Claims.

This invention relates -to locking devices adapted primarily although not exclusively for use with milk bottles, the purpose thereof being to enable articles particularly with anged, beaded or enlarged upper portions to be readily inserted in place and retained or locked therein against abstraction by unauthorized persons. And when employed for milk bottles, it is the further purpose of this invention to prevent access to or exposure of the mouths of the bottles retained therein so as to keep them in proper sanitary condition.

Milk bottle locks of this general class have been known or used before, particularly in cooperable relation with a door and frame or jamb thereof, but such devices have usually employed spring or resilient members, have often been intricate in structure and hence expensive to fabricate, and frequently insecure as a locking medium. It is one of the objects of my invention to eliminate, in a device of this category, the aforesaid shortcomings, and enable an inexpensive structure of simple and rigid design to eiciently accomplish its operative purpose, and without the use of any springs or other resilient members.

It is also within the contemplation of this invention to provide multiple locking means as a positive assurance against the removal of the articles operatively positioned within the device.

Still another object is to enable the portable portion of the device constituting my invention to be readily secured in place and conveniently detached therefrom, and also to provide inaccessible fastening means for the support for said portable portion when it is in its normal operative position.

And it is within the further contemplation of this invention to permit the portable portion thereof to be conveniently carried without danger of causing the articles therein to fall out, and to enable such articles to be quickly and easily removed by a simple manipulation.

And a further object of my invention is to enable a structure made in accordance with this invention to operatively and conveniently hold therein a relatively large number of articles.

Other objects, features and advantages will appear from the drawing, and the description hereinafter given.

Referring to the drawing,

Figure 1 is a front View of my invention shown holding two milk bottles and operatively attached to a closed door.

Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section of one form of my invention, illustrating one milk bottle in place, and another being inserted.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, both bottles being shown in place, a tongue and an elbow of extended lengths being shownin dotdash lines as alternative arrangements.I

Figure 4 is a transverse section of Figure 2 taken along line 4 4.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of Figure 2, with the bottles removed, and illustrating the manner of attachment of the portable portion to the door,

and

Figure 6 is a modified form of my invention adapted for use independent of a door, and also illustrating an extended body portion for accommodating three milk bottles.

In the drawing, and in the preferred embodiment of my invention, the hollow and preferably rectangular-shaped retaining chamber or receptacle I has the inlet end portion 8 thereof closed,

the outlet end 9 being open. The lateral sides I 0 and I I of the said receptacle have inturned flanges I2 and I3 forming runways for slidably accommodating the beaded or enlarged upper portions such as I4 and I5 of the milk bottles I6 and ceptacle 1, preferably by the walls I0 and II thereof, are the gate I8, the flap or plate I9 and the angulated member or lever V2|) comprising the rearwardly extending tongue 2| and the forwardly extending locking elbow 22.

In the operation of this device, an article such as the bottle I6 is inserted through the aperture 23, thereby raisin-g the gate I8 and the flap I9 to the position shown in Figure 2. The bottle is then slidably moved along the runways I2 and I3 to the right until it is in the position shown in Figure 3. At this point, the top of the bottle actuates the tongue 2I upwardly causing the locking elbow 22 to be lowered to the position shown. 'Ihe device is now in its locking position, the gate I8 having swung downwardly either under its own weight aided by the pressure exerted thereupon by the flap I9, or by the action of elbow 22 thereupon. The said gate I8 completely prevents access to the interior of the receptacle 'I supporting the bottle, due to the fact that the said gate cannot rotate in a clockwise direction because it rests upon the flanges or runways I2 and I3 and is prevented from moving therepast. Neither can the gate move in a counterclockwise direction inasmuch as the locking elbow 22, forced downwardly by the action of the bottle I6 upon the tongue 2|, is adjacent the flap I9 and holds it, and consequently the gate, against any counterclockwise movement. If the locking elbow is made with a sharper angulation, as is indicated in dot-dash lines bythe numeral 22a, it will be engageable directly with the gate, and have the same effect. In either event, the elbow is interposed in the path of the gate to hold it against opening. It is thus apparent that by the simple operation of inserting the bottle I6 past the said gate I8 into the position shown in Figure 2, the device has accomplishedV its locking function; i

The action herein described characterizes an important feature of my invention; and its practical application in cooperation with a door -will now be described. I

Secured to the door 24 isthe plate or support 25 containing the hollowears 26 and 21. The receptacle 1 contains the bars 28 and 29 in spaced parallel relation to the wall II and adapted to be-op'eratively received Yby the said ears 26 and 21. In attaching the receptacle or portable portion of this device ,in place, the door is'opened, and the said bars 28 and- 29 slipped into the ears, Yand thereafter the door is closed. The partsv'are so positioned that the space 30 between the open end 9 of the device and the frame or jamb 3| of the doortis insuiiicient to permit a bottle to pass therethrough. The bottles are inserted, asraforesaid, through the opening 23 and slid to the right until they are operatively in position.V 'Ihey cannot be removed through the said aperture 23 due to the locking action above describedjthe gate I8 being held closed. Neither can they be removed 'from the right or open-end of the device due to the proximity of this end from the jamb as 'above indicated.

To remove the bottles from the receptacle 1, the door is opened,and the portable portion removed from its operative engagement with the plate 25, the handle 32 serving to facilitate such manipulation. Once the receptacle is out of its locked position, thebottles can be removed through the opening 9 as will be more specically Vset forth hereinafter.

It will be noted that theplate 25 is secured to the door by the screws 33, 34, 35 and 36. It is apparent that when the receptacle 1 is'in its operative `position on the door, the said screws are not accessible,-thereby making it extremely difficult to Yremove the entire device from its fastening on the door.

Although the device isk shown attached to a door, it can be equally eiective if secured to the jamb or a wall at right angles to the plane of the door, and in such proximity to the door as to render the withdrawal of a bottle impossible unless the ldoor is opened.

Y 'In the description hereinabove given of the operation of the device, the action with reference to a single bottle was described. The receptacle 1, however, is adapted to accommodate, in the form shown inrFigures 1 to 5, two bottles, the bottle I1 having been inserted into position in a manner similar to that applied to bottle I 6.

In Figure 6 is shown an arrangement where the receptacle 31 is of extended length so as to operatively accommodate three bottles therein. It is of course apparent that the number of bottles that could be accomodated is limited only by the length of the receptacle. In the structure of Figure 6, one Vofthe bottles, such as 38 is in operative engagement with the tongue 39, in the manner hereinabove described, although it is obvious that any of the other bottles can be in similar engagement withthe said tongue provided the latter is made ofthe proper length.

yIt will be noted in referring to Figure 2 that prior.l tothe insertion of bottle I6, bottle I1 has already been putY into place. This bottle cannot Y as a closure.

be removed through the opening 9 when the receptacle is in its operative position on the door; neither can it be removed past the tongue 2l which is now in its lowered position to which it has fallen under its own weight, thereby serving Should the said tongue be elevated by a nger or tool inserted through the aperture 23 in an attempt to remove the bottle I1, the said Yupward movement of the tongue will cause a downward movement of the locking elbow 22 to force the gate I8 into its closed position. It is hence apparent that this device constitutes a double assurance against pilferage, one by the closure effected by the tongue 2| in the instance described, and the other by the closure effected by gate I8 under the action of elbow 22. It will be noted that the elbow 22- serves the additional function of limiting the downwardA swing of the tongue 2l, thereby acting in a dual locking capacty' i It is of course understood that the tongue 2| can be made of various lengths, and can extend to the bottle VI1 if elongated to the length of tongue 40 shown in dot-dash lines in Figure 3.

It will be observed, particularly by referring to Figures 2, 3 and 5, that the runways I2 and I3 are upwardly bent at the rear thereof, that is near the open end 3. When the receptacle 1,`con stituting the portable portion of the device, is removed from the door in the manner aforesaid, and carried by gripping'the handle 32, the bottles cannot slip out through the open end 9v, due to the obstruction afforded by said upwardly turned, ends 44 and 45. When it is desired to remove the bottles, they are either manually elevatedV until the beads clear such upturned portions 44 and 45 and then removed, or the entire device with the bottles depending therefrom is placed upon a table whereupon the receptacle 1 will drop down upon the tops of the bottles. In this position the beads of the bottles will be above the level of the said upturnedportions 44 and 45, and the receptacle 1 can then be slid outwardly to free the bottles. y

It is within the contemplation of this invention not to limit this device for use in conjunction only with a door, inasmuch as it can be employed as an independent device. By referring to Figure 6 it will be seen that the rear portion of the receptacle contains a hinged door 4I adapted to be locked by the locking means 42. In the operation of this form of my invention, the door 4I is normally locked, and the bottles inserted through the aperture 43. If it is desired to remove the bottles, in this form of my invention, the door 4I is unlocked` and the bottles slipped out therethrough.

Although the device constituting my invention is shown employed in conjunction with milk bottles, it is obvious that it is equally applicable for use with other articles, such as those containing enlarged upper portions, flanges or beads. It is likewise adaptable for use with other articles that can be contained wholly within the device, and not extending through the base thereof.

It is of course understood that the various embodirnents above described and shown in the drawing are illustrative of my invention and not employed by Way of limitation, inasmuch as numerous changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of this invensupporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a gate vadjacent said inlet opening and entirely confined within said receptacle, said gate being swingable inwardly towards its open position, a pivotally mounted lever comprising a tongue and an elbow angulated with respect thereto, the tongue being adapted to be operatively actuated by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned within the receptacle, thereby causing a movement of the elbow to a position within the path of said gate, and means for obstructing said outlet o-pening.

2. In a locking device, a hollow receptacle for supporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a gate adjacent said inlet opening and entirely confined within said receptacle, said gate being swingable inwardly towards its open position, means in constant engagement with the gate urging it towards its closed position, a pivotally mounted lever comprising a tongue and an elbow angulated with respect thereto, the tongue being adapted to be operatively actuated by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned within the receptacle, thereby causing a movement of the elbow to a position adjacent said means and engageable therewith to hold the gate against swinging inwardly, and means for obstructing said outlet opening.

3. In a locking device, a hollow receptacle for supporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a pivotally mounted gate adjacent said inlet opening and entirely conned within said receptacle, said gate being swingable inwardly towards its open position, a pivotally mounted nap constantly bearing against said gate to urge it towards its closed position, a movable member within the receptacle operatively engageable with the flap, said member being adapted to be operatively actuated by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned within the receptacle, and means for obstructing said outlet opening.

4. In a locking device, a hollow receptacle for supporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a pivotally mounted gate adjacent said inlet opening, a pivotally mounted flap bearing against said gate to urge it towards its closed position, a pivotally mounted lever adapted to be operatively actuated by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned withinI the receptacle, thereby causing one extremity of the lever to move to a position where it will be engageable with the ap to hold the gate against opening, and means for obstructing said outlet opening.

5. In a locking device, a hollow receptacle for supporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a gate pivotally mounted from the upper portion of the receptacle and extending obliquely downwardly and rearwardly and resting upon the base of the receptacle adjacent said inlet opening,l a pivotally mounted flap to the rear of the gate and bearing against the gate to urge it towards its closed position, a pivotally mounted lever comprising a tongue and an elbow angulated with respect thereto, the tongue being adapted to be operatively actuated by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned within the receptacle, thereby causing a movement of the elbow to a position where it will be engageable with the ap to hold the gate against opening, and means for obstructing said outlet opening.

6. In a locking device, a hollow receptacle for supporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a pivotally mounted gate adjacent said inlet opening, a pivotally mounted flap bearing against said gate to urge it towards its closed position, a pivotally mounted lever one end of which is adapted to be raised by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned within the receptacle, thereby causing the other end to be lowered to a position where it will be engageable with the gate to hold it against opening, and means for obstructing said outlet opening.

7. In a locking device, a hollow receptacle for supporting an article therein and having an inlet and outlet opening therefor, a gate adjacent said inlet opening, a pivotally mounted lever comprising a tongue and an elbow angulated with respect thereto, the tongue being adapted to be operatively actuated by the engagement therewith of said article when positioned within the receptacle, thereby causing a movement of the elbow to a position within the path of said gate, the said. lever being pivotally mounted near the upper portion of the receptacle in such manner that in its normal position the elbow thereof is adjacent the roof of the receptacle and the tongue extends downwardly to form a closure for the receptacle; and means for obstructing said outlet opening.

8. In a holder for milk bottles or the like, a receptacle open along the base thereof and containing a bottom inlet at one end of the receptacle and an outlet at the opposite end thereof, two runways anking the opening in said base and extending rearwardly from said inlet opening, the runways being adapted to slidably accommodate the beaded tops of the bottles, a pivotally mounted gate adjacent said inlet, a pivotally mounted flap bearing against said gate to urge it towards its closed position, a movable member Within the receptacle and adapted to be raised by the engagement therewith of the top of an underlying bottle, thereby causing a movement of said member to a position where it will be engageable with the iiap to hold the gate against opening, and means for obstructing the said outlet.

9. In a holder for milk bottles or the like, a receptacle open along the base thereof and containing a bottom inlet at one end of the receptacle andan outlet at the opposite end thereof, two runways flanking the opening in said base and extending rearwardly from said inlet opening to terminate in upturned ends near said outlet, the runways bein-g adapted to slidably accommodate the beaded tops of the bottles, a gate adjacent said inlet and entirely conned within said receptacle, said gate being swingable inwardly towards its open position, a movable member within the receptacle and adapted to be actuated by the engagement therewith of the top of an underlying bottle, means operatively associated with said member and gate for holding the gate against being swung inwardly, Ysaid means being adapted to be operatively actuated by said member when the latter is actuated by said bottle, and means for obstructing said outlet.

RAFAEL RIVAS. 

